On this just want to highlight that M&M has a OE accessory rearview camera also at some Rs.2650 which integrates with the infotainment screen.

This is the most disgusting thing I've ever seen on TeamBHP. How could they do this monstrosity to the Thar's perfect design.

Vanity vans is what DC should stick to and not produce such eyesores

I seriously can't understand what goes at DC's HQ. Do they purposefully make atrocious designs to stay in the news or they seriously think people would like this?

Do you guys think Mahindra is providing vehicles to different customisation houses like prad4x4 (based out of Bangalore), bimbra 4x4 (based out of Gurgaon) etc to develop aftermarket products for the Thar?

Prad4x4 seem to claim so in one of their posts on Instagram. They already have a red Thar in their workshop. Off-road bumpers with winch mounts and grills are first on the list and also a roof rack solution for the hardtop is on the cards.

Screenshot of the said post -

I think they tried to make it look like the Hummer, which was an iconic SUV in the early 2000s due to its prominent use in the Iraq wars. Chrysler put a 5.7 litre Hemi-Magnum V8 petrol (Hemispherical combustion chamber engine construction) in it and sold the t in the US. It was considered as cool as the latest Tesla model is these days. No one cared about the fact that the engine would drink a litre of petrol every 2-3 kms, petrol prices were so abysmally low after the war.

Attached Thumbnails

 

Found another video explaining about Thar's offroad capabilities.

This one is a Diesel AT + LX Trim



(Request to mods: I hope this video hasn't been shared yet in this thread, if so, please remove this entry.)

(Request to mods: I don't have the option to edit my previous post, so mods please merge this entry with the previous one and delete this line.)


Off-topic
Meanwhile, I came across the Mercedes EQC video where it climbs a steep slope and I was wondering what if Mahindra comes with Thar electric version. The off-road experience should be more exciting with instant torque capabilities of the electric motor!.

Sir, please.. Let them first start delivering the all new Thar as committed which is already very exciting.

The Dc kit is shockingly priced upwards of 6.45 lacs plus taxes, I mean for just the exterior mods not even any (dare I say) interior modifications, its quite a bold move by DC.

I am sure this is the expectation of majority of the early birds who've booked the new Thar. Unfortunately, couldn't be further from the truth.

However, this is exactly what the Thar is! Ever wonder why all variants of the Thar come with 4WD as standard?

The over excited and ill informed youtubers as well as media in general have made an SUV out of a Jeep (Aka - An offroad vehicle that can just about manage to stay upright on the road), your disappointment is understandable.

Just look at the vehicle from a distance - 2 doors, Tall, small cabin, big tyres. Does it resemble a primary vehicle for a normal use? Nope!

The way to include a Jeep in your family as a non-utility vehicle is like this.

If you need only one car in the family, this is the second one.

If you need two cars in the family, this is the third one.

I got the chance to experience the 2020 Thar a few days back. I'm lucky to have one of my neighbours (who prefers to remain anonymous) as a prominent auto journalist, and he's sweet enough to let me try out a few of the cars that are brought in for review.





First off, let us start with the exteriors - This was the first time I was seeing the new Thar in person and let me say, I was absolutely smitten by the looks of this vehicle. It is a very handsome looking car and looks like a proper beast (especially in this shade of black).



The Thar is a very wide car - more so with those flared out fenders and bumper extensions. It's got a very stout stance (wide and short) and almost looks like a little tank when viewed from certain angles.



Moving to the interiors, it's quite a step up to get into the Thar. The cabin is at a height and you'll definitely need to use the side steps to climb in. I wish there were grab handles provided on the A-pillars (like the Fortuner and Endeavour).



Once seated inside, the first thing I noticed is how narrow the front seats seats felt though the lumbar support was quite good. They almost felt like racing seats (maybe I'm exaggerating a little) after having being used to the wide and comfy seats on my Honda city. These seats might not be the best choice for people with a heavier build. However, I could see how they could help save you from being tossed around during off-road driving (as the Thar is a very jumpy car).





Getting into the rear needs to be done from the passenger side. There is a little pull tab that allows the seat to tumble forward. However, the seat needs to be pushed all the way forward in order to create enough space for a person to fit in through the gap. This is definitely not a place for elders!
Also, I had a strange observation - for someone of my build (5'8" and fairly fit), it's probably just easier to get into rear seats using the massive gap between the front seats (the Thar is a wide car after all and there are no centre armrests )



I also checked out the boot and as expected, it was really tiny. Good enough for just a small bag or two and you'll have to definitely fold down the rear seats to carry even medium sized suitcases (an aftermarket roof carrier will be popular accessory for the Thar in my opinion). Though I have to admit, the general build quality of the car has improved vastly and it feels so much better than the Mahindras of yesteryears. Even the doors shut with a nice "Thud" instead of the mechanical "Clunk" heard on older Jeeps and Boleros.

The rear tail-gate felt solid and the glass also had a good heft to it. However, I'm a bit apprehensive about the long term water proofing (leakage) of this hard-top cabin. Let's see if it holds up well in the harsh Indian weather conditions.



This particular model was the top of the line Diesel LX - MT (which I feel will be also be the most popular variant) and the engine was everything we've come to expect from modern Mahindra diesels - Fast, punchy, great drivability and decent NVH levels (can't say it was great, but wasn't bad either). With regards to fuel efficiency, I'm guessing the petrol MT/AT Thar will be heavy drinkers - considering the fact that this diesel manual gives around 9-10Kmpl in the city and maybe around 12Kpmpl on the highway (this is if you're a sedate driver).

Most people who buy the Thar will seldom worry about the fuel efficiency. However, what will annoy them is the dynamics of this car. Heavy body roll, nose-dive on breaking, extremely bouncy ride are standard. Though to be completely honest, tarmac is not really the Thar's forte - take it off the road and that is where this car really starts to shine. It'll be very hard to use this as an everyday car (inspite of what Mahindra might try to tell you) and you should definitely spend a good amount of time trying out the car before spending 15-17 big ones on it.



All in all, the Thar is a purpose built machine that has become a lot better with it's latest incarnation. Mahindra has taken all the years of feedback and delivered a car that improves upon it's predecessor in every single way possible. Then there is this feeling about driving a car like Thar that you just can't explain in words. This car has the ability to make you feel like the king of the road. It's an attention magnet and people always turn around to give it a second look. I think that's the charm of having a Thar. It can give you sportscar like feel (imagine a red convertible with the top down) along with go-anywhere ability at 1/5th of the price.




I must say that I really liked the new Thar, but would I buy it? Not right away. I would wait for a few years and let the initial QC issues pass (that Mahinda and Tata are infamous) and probably pick up a well maintained pre-owned Petrol AT Thar as my weekend/fun ride 2-3 years down the line. The Thar will be that kind of a vehicle for me.

Signing off with some pictures I took with the beast :

Some serious production issue at Mahindra regarding Thar or my dealer playing up. Last week my expected delivery date was 14 Dec 20, today as on 31 October the date has changed to 5 May 21.

Is there such a change of delivery date for anyone else?
I had booked online on 06 October 20 a Red Rage Hard Top Diesel Manual LX version.

This is my priority wise list for now and my delivery date being promised as 3rd December via Mahindra Dealer's mail, I wonder how many of them would actually be available:
1. Reverse camera - 3360
2. Front n Rear Mudflap - 400 + 465
3. Door sill protector -
4. Side Body cladding - 8840
5. Full body cover

Now, the ones I am pondering upon / will get aftermarket:
Bushranger Mud Blocka Mats - Price seems too high, maybe because of the quality. I might wait for aftermarket tray mats.
Seat Cover - After market
I saw Gopro and other stuff being sold as accessories at much higher prices. I also wonder how the roof top tent would serve its purpose on a fiber hard top!

For the rest of the accessories like center armrest, rear seat armrests and cupholders etc. I am sure a lot of wonderful modifications would be coming up and its better to wait for that.

I chose the DVR+Rear-view camera over the OE accessory because even the rear-view during normal driving is also hindered by the spare-wheel, and this give the flexibility of having a IRVM that gives me unhindered view.
My CPD (Customer Promise Date) is now Dec 31st - it was Dec 3rd earlier. My booking is on 3rd Oct, for LX Convertible Diesel AT in Black.

I have informed my sales advisor that I am not taking a 2020 manufactured car, and don't have an issue postponing it to June/ July next year, or cancelling the booking.

M&M Team - if you are reading this, you have messed this up. Big time.